Finance Manager

Finance Manager
£38,000 - £45,000 | Southend-on-Sea | Office Based
We’re recruiting on behalf of an established and growing specialist compliance business based in Southend-on-Sea. The business provides specialist services across air and water hygiene, ventilation, kitchen extract fire safety and wider building compliance, working with clients across a range of sectors throughout the UK.
They are now looking for a practical and dependable Finance Manager to take ownership of their day-to-day finance function and lead a small accounts team.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys being involved across the full finance function, while also having the opportunity to improve processes, maintain strong financial controls and provide useful financial insight to senior management.
The Role
As Finance Manager, you’ll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day finance function and supporting the wider business with accurate and timely financial information.
Your responsibilities will include:
* Leading, supporting and developing a small accounts team
* Producing monthly management accounts and explaining key findings to senior management
* Maintaining accurate ledgers and completing bank, credit card, balance sheet, WIP, accrual, prepayment and fixed asset reconciliations
* Managing cash flow, payment runs and authorising payments
* Processing monthly payroll, including commissions, deductions, pensions and staff loans
* Preparing and submitting VAT and other HMRC returns
* Overseeing invoicing, expenses and supplier payments
* Working with external accountants on year-end and audit requirements
* Reviewing supplier contracts and identifying opportunities to control costs
* Ensuring finance processes and procedures are followed consistently
About You
We’re looking for someone with solid practical finance experience who is comfortable taking ownership of a busy finance function.
You’ll ideally have:
* AAT Level 3 or above, or another relevant accounting qualification
* At least 2 years’ experience in a finance/accounts role
* Experience producing management accounts
* Strong knowledge of reconciliations, VAT and payroll
* Experience using Xero or a comparable finance system
* Strong Excel skills and confidence using Microsoft Office
* Previous experience supervising or managing a small accounts team
* Excellent attention to detail and strong financial judgement
* A practical, organised and solutions-focused approach
This is an office-based position in Southend-on-Sea, offering the opportunity to take real ownership of the finance function within an established specialist business